[Z06] cleaning the engine bay
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 208
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From: castaic california
cleaning the engine bay
I would like to wash my engine, but I was wondering if I have to cover anything. I bought a engine degreaser and well I'm a bit nervouse of washing it with the water hose. Do you guys have a special process when cleaning your engine? Any products/ degreasers you suggest? Thank you for the imput
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 7,683
Likes: 3
From: La La land cali
St. Jude Donor '09
If you wash it, just stay away from the fuse-box and electrical connections. Some guys cover the alternator and a few other little things, but I've never had a problem.
Ive also cleaned the whole engine bay by hand with an engine detailer and a little of CF's favorite: Simple Green.
Of course, you know not to wash an engine when its hot...
Ive also cleaned the whole engine bay by hand with an engine detailer and a little of CF's favorite: Simple Green.
Of course, you know not to wash an engine when its hot...
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 15,685
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From: Machineguns, because I don’t compromise
I don't just want to say "search", but in reality this thread topic has been covered in complete detail MANY, MANY times in the General,Tech, and this section.
Please search.
There was a thread that may just be in this page or page two "Ok to spray?" although I know there are many more.
Please search.
There was a thread that may just be in this page or page two "Ok to spray?" although I know there are many more.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 68
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From: Plano TX
Like Tricep said you can use Simple Green. This stuff works great for this type of job. Just get a spray bottle and water down the SG mix. I like to take the fuel rail covers off as well. Just steer clear of the alternator and anything else with electronics. It's "OK" to get a little water on them but don't soak them. You also don't have to use a heavy spraying hose either. Use a soft mist or take off the hose nozzle and let a gentle stream of water flow.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,570
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From: Taildragers rule! USA1
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 838
Likes: 17
From: Maple Valley WA
St. Jude Donor '10
Simple Green it then spray it out with a low pressure setting, like "shower" which you would use for watering plants. And, as many said previously, stay away from electrical parts like the fuse boxes and alternator. Just be careful and you'll be fine.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
Water and your engine (part #1)
protect the alt (bag it) and obviuos electrical. Then either blow off the excess water or leave it to dry before starting the engine or use a shop vacuum. I have in 45 years only once or twice had any starting issues(moisture in the old type distributors). I use a power washer with water filter, less water but it can force water into Weather-Pak connectors .
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 939
Likes: 52
From: The Woodlands Texas
Wow, I have been washing mine once a month for over 5yrs with no issues and I use a high pressure stream and leaf blower to dry off. Sometimes I use Simple Green but most times not. The only thing you should be aware of is water can get under the intake manifold and to the knock sensors. If you ever get a knock sensor code out of the blue its because the water has rusted the sensor. Ask me how I know. I am now conscience of water spray under the throttle body because this is where it enters. Otherwise, fuse box, alternator, everything under the hood has been fair game. The windings in the alternator are fine because they are encapuslated, electrical connections are via watertight connections and the fuse box by the battery is totally enclosed. I use to do the same to my LT1 but not my LT5 or L98.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 12
From: Houston Tx
I just did mine yesterday. Got it a bit warm. sprayed the hell out of it with simple green. Let it sit for a few mins. Took hose and had it dribble out by squeezing the hose and controlling how much pressure came through. Stayed away from fuse and battery. Actually took my shammy and covered that part. Lightly rinsed off simple green. Stayed away from the alternator. started engine again to let it dry. Also used a leaf blower for quicker dry time. Made sure the engine didnt get too hot. Then took tire/plastic shine and sprayed the hell out of the engine with it. Rubbed it in and got the excess stuff off.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 670
Likes: 28
From: Mitchell SD
Lots of good advice here; I would like to add one thing I learned from the ZR-1 forum back when I had an LT5. After you wash off the engine leave it wet and spray Armor All or a similar product on the engine and the plastic parts then just close the hood and drive a few miles. When you get back the heat and air movement will have the whole compartment dry and shiny. You might have to wipe it off a little bit with a cloth but this really works.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 6,366
Likes: 249
From: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The best product I have used is called S100. It is a motorcycle detail spray. You spray the entire engine except any electrical components you have concerns with. Hose it off with light pressure right afterwards. Towel dry anything you want to and it dries spotlessly and has a new car sheen. Works great and is real easy. Also, it's safe if it gets on your paint because it is designed so that on bikes you spray the entire thing, tank, wheels, etc. Buy at motorcycle stores. I get it at Harley dealers.
